What is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHbOT) involves breathing 90-95% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber for 60-90 minutes. This method allows your body to absorb higher levels of oxygen than in normal atmospheric conditions.
How Does Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
At pressures greater than 1 ATA (normal atmospheric pressure at sea level), the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissue increases. Being pressurized to this level increases your cell’s sensitivity to oxygen, and this allows the oxygen to be better utilized throughout the body.
Did You Know?
In this pressurized environment, O2 can reach the most remote places in the body such as:
- Areas that are not vascular to begin with, such as joints and connective tissues
- Areas of injury where the structure and vasculature are no longer the same
The increased oxygenation has been shown to accelerate recovery from injuries or surgery, reduce inflammation, improve circulation and support the body's natural healing processes. By incorporating weekly sessions of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy into your wellness routine, you can enhance your physical performance, support optimal brain function and maintain peak health. In addition, mHbOT can also support your mental health and hormones. In this article, our experts dive into the research and the specific benefits to help you feel your best.
Mental Health
Enhanced Cognitive Function
mHbOT has been shown to improve cognitive function by increasing cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. Research indicates that this increased oxygen availability can support neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) and synaptic plasticity (the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time). These effects are crucial for maintaining cognitive health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Reduced Depression & Anxiety Symptoms
A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that mHbOT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in military veterans. Another study found the effect of mHbOT on depression and anxiety is similar to psychotherapy.
Neuroprotection & Brain Health
mHbOT's neuroprotective effects can help in managing conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. By reducing inflammation and promoting brain repair mechanisms, mHbOT supports overall brain health, which is necessary for your mental well-being.
Hormonal Health
Stress Hormone Regulation
Chronic stress can lead to a dysregulation of cortisol, a primary stress hormone. mHbOT has been found to normalize cortisol levels, reducing the impact of chronic stress on the body. This regulation can alleviate stress symptoms and improve overall hormonal balance.
Thyroid Function Support
This therapy may also benefit thyroid function by improving cellular metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. Enhanced oxygenation helps the thyroid gland produce hormones more efficiently, which is needed for maintaining your metabolic balance and energy.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
mHbOT has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity, which regulates blood sugar levels and prevents conditions like diabetes. By enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues, mHbOT supports better metabolic health, influencing hormones like insulin and glucagon.
Ready to Try mHbOT?
Remember, one session is not enough to reap the benefits. Consistency is a key factor for every aspect of your wellness routine, from sleep to exercise and nutrition to mental health. For the best results, we recommend at least 10 sessions of mHbOT, and while you're in the chamber, you can read a book, work on your laptop or just enjoy the time alone and relax with music or a podcast.
Medical services are provided by an independently-owned physician practice. Some services may require medical clearance and a prescription. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Services, therapies, ingredients and prices may vary per location.
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